MzTeachuh is a daily blog providing educational links for professional development, timely articles for special needs, ed tech and STEM, as well as interesting and amusing posts in the Fine Arts and the Humanities.

These letters are absolutely fictional (to protect the innocent and
not-so-innocent.) But, with the hint of truth, maybe we can make some
adjustments. Principals have the best chance to do that.Dear Principal,

Since it is the beginning of the year, I wanted to share information I found over the summer.

Last year, we had ADD and ADHD kids who presented many classroom problems. I did some research and found we were using classroom discipline in the exact opposite way we are supposed to. According to the info, isolating the ADHD kids makes it worse for them, since they seek stimulation; modifying the activities of the class is better--for the ADHD kids and the others, too, actually, since a 'sedentary classroom' kind of runs down learning.

I recognize some names coming up on my roster that could use better interventions. Do I have permission to talk to the Behavior Specialist at the district? Maybe the teachers who have identified ADHD kids could collaborate on solutions.

My suggestion: Get expert advice when dealing with the attention deficit issues. Modifying your teaching style away from the sedentary will only benefit the entire class. Collaborate with other teachers and share strategies and successes. Behavior modification is always challenging. Collaborating can provide excellent solutions and support. An active mind is a terrible thing to waste.

It's a beautiful mornin' ahhh
I think I'll go outside a while
An jus' smile
Just take in some clean fresh air boy

Ain't no sense in stayin' inside
If the weather's fine an' you got the time

It's your chance to wake up and plan another brand new day

Either way
It's a beautiful mornin' ahhh

Each bird keeps singin' his own song
So long
I've got to be on my way now
Ain't no fun just hangin' around
I've got to cover ground you couldn't keep me down
It just ain't no good if the sun shines
When you're still inside
Shouldn't hide still inside shouldn't hide
Ahhhh oh shouldn't hide ah ah oh

Do do waaa do do waaa
There will be children with robins and flowers
Sunshine caresses each new waking hour
Seems to me that the people keep seeing
More and more each day gotta say lead the way
It's okay wednesday thursday it's okay
Ahhh monday wednesday friday weekday ah ah ohhh
Do do waaa

5. Family Literacy Can Solve Many of Nation’s Problems

Children’s and Family Literacy

The work of Padak and Rasinski (2003) reviewed the effectiveness of
family literacy programs and showed the benefits to all the component
parts of the programs: the children, the parents, the families and the
communities of those involved, especially in terms of both school
attendance and achievement. The research indicated that family literacy
programs impacted children‘s motivation, social skills, attitudes and
even health. One significant finding was adult learner persistence
increased when parents were enrolled in family literacy programs as
opposed to only adult education classes. Another was that families in
family literacy programs reported improved relationships and increased
parental involvement in their children‘s educational activities.

About Me

Melanie Link Taylor is an educator and edu blogger in Southern California, credentialed in both General Education and Special Education. She teaches English Literature, Language and Composition to Grades 7-12 at Victor Valley Christian School in Victorville, California.
Melanie guest blogs on educational sites, and is an Edutopia facilitator, a commentor on BAM Radio, member of ISTE, and a Teach100 mentor.
She received her B.A. in English, and minor in Art, from Mount St. Mary's University in Los Angeles, and her M.A. in Special Education from Chapman University.
She also cultivates the Melanie Link Taylor Teaching Garden and Wildlife Habitat in Southern California.